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I just came back from an excellent stay at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, as a hotel guest (and not as a member). The facilities were excellent and we had the perfect location facing the constant white-capped waves. In particular, the fitness center and personnel were outstanding.Although we had the perfect room, we did lack one item: a washer and dryer, which was important for us given the length of stay (over a week, as well as having just spent the week prior elsewhere on the East Coast). I brought the "problem" to the attention of the Manager, Mathew Gordon. He was fabulous in his working through the issue with as many alternatives as conceivably. Initially he provided us access to an unoccupied suite which had a washer and dryer. Then he graciously upgraded us to a junior suite in the same building with the same fabulous view, one that had a washer and dryer, and at the same lower price as our initial reservation. Further, weather conditions in the north caused us to need to extend one extra day but not known until the last minute cancellation of our flight. Once again, Mathew Gordon was splendid in his handling of our issue, and allowed the junior suit to be ours and at the former, lower rate.While all personnel were helpful at all times, Mathew Gordon went out of his way to stay on top of our visit to make sure that we received his attention at all times. Not an easy thing to do with a busy resort.As another Reviewer has said, it is an "Amazing" resort and I would certainly recommend it to all, and certainly if you are either a beach person, a physical person (looking for tennis, golf, the fitness center, long walks on the beach and the gated area, etc.), and/or both.

Room Tip: Building no. One with a Gulf View is the way to go!

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Stayed: January 2014, traveled as a couple

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Ask plevine47 about Resort at Longboat Key Club

1 Thank plevine47

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Benninghove, Manager at Resort at Longboat Key Club, responded to this reviewResponded February 2, 2014

Dear plevine47:

Thank you for your wonderful “5” review of the Resort at Longboat Key Club. Matt Gordon is truly a great representative of our resort and I am pleased to hear that he was able to resolve your challenge above and beyond your expectation. Our #1 goal is for you to have a perfect experience as our guest.

For others information, the only room-type we offer without a washer/dryer is the Guest Room . In this case, we do have coin operated washer/dryers located at our Marina. Our Deluxe Two Bedroom, Two Bedroom, One Bedroom and Junior Suites all offer a washer/dryer.

We appreciate your willingness to recommend us and we look forward to seeing you and again in the future.

Rick BenninghoveDirector of Resort OperationsLongboat Key Club and Resortrick.benninghove@longboatkeyclub.com

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a great spot for a vacation. We had a premium jumior beach view (4th fl, building 2) and both the room and the view were great. The room had a nice living area and bedroom area, almost a full kitchen (no oven, but stove top, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer an dryer, sink) with cookware, knives, glasses and dishes. Even an ice bucket. The bathroom was small but functional, but had a separate sink and mirrors outside in the hall for more space. Plenty of closet space and hangers. The room came with a big balcony with a lounge chair and small table on one side and a bigger table and chairs on the other. Great to have room serice breakfast out on the balcony. The wifi was decent. The pool at the hotel was nice and pretty warm, even though the temperature was not. The hot tub was also nice. Service was good and friendly. The beach is big and has nice, fine, white sand.

A few things make this fall short of five star rating. First, the walls are a little thin, so you might here your neighbors above or along side. Second, the resort is kind of spread out. You need to drive to the pro shop and spa on the island side, and the harbor side is a far away. Therefor, all of the restuarants and bars are not something you can just go down the elevator and get to. Also, while the spa services are great, we had a couples massage, the facilities are not that eleaborate. No spa pool, hot tub, nice relaxation rooms, dry sauna, etc. I like to be able to go when I have a massage scheduled and then hang out for a while, maybe have a drink or light snack, but those are available.

The location of the resort is excellant. Beautiful views of the gulf. It is a very short drive to St. Armands Circle, where there are tons of neat shops and restuarants to explore. Downtown Sarasota is a short 15 minutes away. There can be traffic at certain times of day and year, but I think that is the way it is in a lot of Florida. Overall I would definitely recommend it, even for a family, because of the amenities the rooms have.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Benninghove, Manager at Resort at Longboat Key Club, responded to this reviewResponded February 2, 2014

Dear KJN_13

Thank you for your very kind review. I’m glad you were able to really enjoy the amenities we offer including beach, spa, pool, etc. We do offer multiple restaurants throughout the club as you mention, but there is no need to get into your car. We offer complimentary shuttle service throughout the resort and club. Directly at the Resort adjacent to the suites, we offer, Sands Pointe Restaurant, Sands Pointe Lounge, Barefoots Restaurant, Barefoots Bar as well as room service. At the spa, our spa attendants would be happy to retrieve a drink for you from the adjacent Spike and Tees Bar/Restaurant for you to enjoy in the relaxation room.

We greatly appreciate your willingness to recommend us and I am very pleased you had an exceptional stay here.

Yours in hospitality,

Rick BenninghoveDirector of Resort OperationsLongboat Key Club and Resortrick.benninghove@longboatkeyclub.com

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From the time we drove into the Resort to the time we left, my family and I had a fantastic stay. The food quality in the restaurants and room service was amazing and there is such variety. I went golfing one day while my wife and kids hung out at the beach, which is the best beach I have ever been on. The Harborside Golf course was sweet. The rooms have the best views and we loved the balconies which were deep and very private. We can not wait to return!!

Stayed: November 2013, traveled with family

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Ask Floridalesters about Resort at Longboat Key Club

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Benninghove, Manager at Resort at Longboat Key Club, responded to this reviewResponded February 2, 2014

Dear Florida Lesters:Thank you for the “5” review!! It is greatly appreciated. I agree that the beach here is the best there is. The sand acts like pure sugar and soft on your feet. Our golf courses have gone through major upgrades this last year and it is wonderful you were able to experience them. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Sarasota –Longboat Key.Yours in hospitality,

Rick BenninghoveDirector of Resort OperationsLongboat Key Club and Resortrick.benninghove@longboatkeyclub.com

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We just returned from 5 days & 4 nights at this hotel. We had stayed here 20 years ago, and it was absolutely lovely. Our visit this time was very mediocre from start to finish. Upon arrival, we noticed a cat or two lurking in bushes and near the pool area. But, eventually, we realized that there are cats EVERYWHERE at this property. We could only deduct that these are feral cats that have made their home there, and no one has gotten rid of them. Walking along a path and seeing cats peering at you through the bushes is a bit creepy, if you're not expecting it. The weather wasn't great while we were there, so we thought we'd have a few spa treatments. The spa was closed for "training". The tiled area outside of our room was continuously wet - not sure why. Our sink backed up in the kitchen in our condo. Someone came to fix it, but there was no real apology. Our primary purpose for the visit was to enjoy some tennis. The resort's tennis center is several miles offsite, and only accessible by a car ride. I put the word resort in quotations above because what we found during our stay was not at all the feel of a resort. We've stayed at many resorts, and this just isn't run the way a fine resort or hotel would be run. The two bedroom condo we had cost about $700 A NIGHT. Yet, It felt as if this was a community of residents, and the hotel guests were sort of unwanted visitors. And, this is most definitely not a place for kids. There is nothing to do for children/teens. When asked what we could do with our teenage boys since the weather was bad, the concierge was hard pressed to offer any suggestions. They say they have a "library with a wide selection of dvd's to borrow; when, in fact, there is a conference room in their lobby with a drawer containing some dvd's, many of which are instructional dvd's. The beach is beautiful - The condos are nice & spacious. As far as activities go, you have to have a car and go off site. With all the fabulous resorts, spas, attractions, & great hotels in FLA, I would look elsewhere if you want a fun-filled & wonderful vacation.

Stayed: January 2014, traveled with family

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Ask Tina B about Resort at Longboat Key Club

3 Thank Tina B

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Benninghove, Manager at Resort at Longboat Key Club, responded to this reviewResponded February 2, 2014

Dear Tina B:Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I’m sorry you had the issue with your sink and found the size of the resort a challenge. Our resort does spread over miles, due to the 45 holes of golf we offer. The majority of our activities are within walking distance, but we do offer golf cart and shuttle services to make it more convenient. The award winning tennis center is a short car-ride away, but we also offer tennis courts within walking of your suite.

On the cats, the Island does have cats. Removal of them just brings more into the property from around us. We do work with a local agency that spays and neuters them to maintain a small population as opposed to a large population

We are definitely a resort that is well suited for families as well as couples. We have a great deal of options for activities and it’s hard pressed not to be able to stay as busy or as relaxed as you wish to be. A number of the items are outside and you experienced some less than perfect weather, which does limit the number of activities available. Fortunately, we are blessed with near perfect weather the majority of the time.

Yours in hospitality,

Rick BenninghoveDirector of Resort OperationsLongboat Key Club and Resortrick.benninghove@longboatkeyclub.com

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I attended a business seminar here and it was very easy to find coming from the Sarasota airport. It is also close to St. Armand's Circle for shopping and dining. The resort is clean and the rooms were large and nicely appointed. Although we didn't use them, there was a kitchenette and washer/dryer in our room which would be nice for a longer stay. Our room had a great ocean view and we enjoyed watching dolphins and mantarays. The pool/beach area is close and we liked the covered beach chairs. My husband had a great time fly fishing on the beach. Unfortunately we didn't have time to explore the whole resort but what we saw was enough to make us want to come back.

Room Tip: Get an ocean view room.

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Stayed: September 2013, traveled on business

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Ask A_RAdventures about Resort at Longboat Key Club

Thank A_RAdventures

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Benninghove, Manager at Resort at Longboat Key Club, responded to this reviewResponded February 2, 2014

Dear A_RAdventures:

Glad you were able to spend some time enjoying the resort while you were here for your business seminar. I never get tired of watching the Dolphins frolic nearby! Thank you for staying with us and we look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Yours in hospitality,

Rick BenninghoveDirector of Resort OperationsLongboat Key Club and Resortrick.benninghove@longboatkeyclub.com

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Myself and my family have been coming to The Longboat Key Club resort form over 20 years now, up to three times a year. We have always loved it here and and almost feel like it is our second home. However, unfortunately, over the last few years we have noticed a rapid decrease in the quality of the resort. All the rooms and poolside furniture desperately need a make over and refurb - especially the kitchens and the loungers around the pool (they are so cheap looking and not comforatble in the slightest). The main thing that we have noticed as a family is the dramatic change in the staff's attitude. The Longboat Key Club was always somewhere that made their customers feel valued, and nothing was too much trouble. We had a very strong relationship with Barbara who used to work on the concierge - she always made us feel comfortable and welcome (which you would expect as loyal customers). But now, we do not even feel comfortable complaining about a matter, which is awful and a real neagative on your behalf - you should always make customers feel comfortable to complain about anything that they feel they need to - after all, the customers are the people who are paying! The staff in the restaurant were so incredibly rude and abrupt, i was forced to complain twice about this on our most recent stay in December - which of course went unnoticed. This is extrememly upsetting for us to see a resort that we have loved for many, many years go downhill so rapidly. So much so that for our next return to Sarasota (In February) we have booked in to the Ritz - which is quite a big thing for us - seeing as we have ALWAYS stayed at Longboat Key Club, but this time round we had had enough it. The only advantage that the Longboat Key Club resort has now is the views. Without that i'm sure they would get no where near as much business as they do. This never used to be the case - people used to stay the the resort for an all round luxurious experience. Now it is like staying in a motel but with excellent views. This is incredibly sad how such a lovely resort that has grown close to our hearts has turned out like it has.

Stayed: December 2013, traveled with family

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Ask Georgia E about Resort at Longboat Key Club

11 Thank Georgia E

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Benninghove, Manager at Resort at Longboat Key Club, responded to this reviewResponded February 2, 2014

Dear Georgia E:

I am very sad to see you felt your recent experience was not what you have come to expect from the Resort. I assure you we are here to make you feel at home as always. If you will consider coming back to us in February, I would like to introduce you to Gloria and Sherman, (our concierge) who will certainly look after you. I have also tried to contact you directly through Tripadvisor. The pool furnishings have just been replaced with brand new furnishings and our guests are providing very positive feedback

Yours in hospitality,

Rick BenninghoveDirector of Resort OperationsLongboat Key Club and Resortrick.benninghove@longboatkeyclub.com

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

I was very excited to try out the Resort at Longboat Key Club but then last week's snowstorm hit. That is when I discovered the Resort requires a two-week cancellation notice… not ideal for a New England traveler where the weather forecast can change quickly.

While I understand the need of the Resort to plan ahead, I am outraged that I was charged more than $600 for having to cancel a three-night stay, especially since it was due to a major snowstorm that cancelled hundreds of flights throughout the northeast. Unfortunately, I can't provide a positive review on a place that charged me an astronomical fee when I didn't even stay there.

For those who live in areas where snowstorms threaten travel plans, be wary of booking at this hotel. It's one thing to be disappointed about missing out on a warm-weather trip, it's another to face the fee the Longboat Key Club (and Expedia) applies to your credit card.

Stayed: January 2014, traveled with family

Ask Angela1782 about Resort at Longboat Key Club

4 Thank Angela1782

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Benninghove, Manager at Resort at Longboat Key Club, responded to this reviewResponded February 2, 2014

Dear Angela 1782:We certainly understand when the weather at home provides you no option of traveling to our sunny resort. I have tried to reach you a couple times now through Trip-advisor in order to discuss. Upon your initial request (before the review), we sent the refund request to Expedia, even though it was a prepaid non-refundable reservation. Expedia honored the refund and returned the fee to your credit card in early January. I am always available to discuss this with you further.

Yours in hospitality,

Rick BenninghoveDirector of Resort OperationsLongboat Key Club and Resortrick.benninghove@longboatkeyclub.com

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

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Also Known As:

Longboat Key Club Hotel Longboat Key

Longboat Key Club And Resort

Longboat Key Resort

Longboat Key Hotel

Longboat Key Club Resort

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